CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, hemoglobin

Facility: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Billing Code: 85018 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 85018
Insurance Median: $23
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, hemoglobin at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is $23. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2.37, this hospital’s rate is 9.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$23

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$2.37

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $2.37 (100%)

Insurance Median: $23 (970%)

Ins. Median: $23 (970% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $2.37 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 970% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 870%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Texaschildrens	$2 - $23	84%
Medicare (plans)	$12 - $23	506%
Vacare	$12 - $23	506%
Memorialhermannhealth	$18 - $40	759%
Aetna	$19 - $40	802%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$19 - $38	802%
Cigna	$19 - $40	802%
UnitedHealthcare	$19 - $40	802%
Beijingst.Lucia	$20 - $40	844%
Embassyofqatar	$20 - $40	844%
Emergingtherapysolutions	$20 - $42	844%
Humana	$20 - $41	844%
Interlink	$20 - $45	844%
Ontarioministriesofhealth	$20 - $39	844%
Tricare	$20 - $40	844%
Emergingtherapysolutions_Cancercare	$22 - $42	928%
Interlink_Cancercare	$22 - $42	928%
Saudiarmedforces	$22 - $42	928%
Uae_Medical	$22 - $42	928%
Uaepoliceattache	$22 - $42	928%
Healthsmart	$23 - $45	970%
Multiplan	$23 - $46	970%
Phcs	$23 - $46	970%
Vantage	$23 - $45	970%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $X.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 85018.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 85018.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.